Elizabeth Allen, owner of Elizabeth Allen Atelier, decided to invent a “Women Rule on Upper Girard” event, celebrating women entrepreneurs and mothers, after she realized how many of the block’s businesses were women-run. Courtesy photo

When upper Girard Avenue boutique owner Elizabeth Allen realized that women owned 15 of the 22 storefront businesses on her block, she decided to draw attention to the discovery by organizing a “Women Rule on Upper Girard” event to coincide with Mother’s Day. From noon to 5 p.m. on May 11, the female-owned businesses will offer special treats, deals, raffles and giveaways for patrons who explore the south end of the avenue.

“I wanted to draw attention to this end of Girard and introduce it to people who don’t venture this far south and do something in conjunction with Mother’s Day since most of us — at least the product boutique stores — are geared toward women,” she said.

Upper Girard offers gourmet bites, art, jewelry, boutique clothing, home décor, and exercise and beauty services all within a few steps of one another.

“There are a variety of businesses up here. There are art classes, cooking classes, fashion, beauty, food. We kind of run the gamut,” Allen said. “It is kind of a sampling of all the kinds of boutiques you could have in one place.”

The neighborly feel of the block, meanwhile, brings a sense of camaraderie among the business owners, Allen said.

“It’s kind of a little neighborhood on this block, whereas further down Girard it’s more corporate and there are more chains,” she said. “There is a lot more character and personality and a lot more of a neighborhood, community feeling up here.”

Until Allen embarked on her survey of businesses in the area, she didn’t know just how many women were at the helm of her neighboring businesses.

“I knew that some of the businesses were owned by women, but I didn’t realize just how many were,” she said. “I didn’t know the lamp store was owned by a woman and the design store next to her was owned by a woman.”

Nationally, women-owned small businesses account for much of the employment in the United States and are instrumental drivers in local economies.

“I think what it says is that we as business owners think the women of La Jolla will appreciate what we have to offer,” said Allen. “I thought it would be nice if we could simultaneously salute ourselves for being women entrepreneurs and also celebrate women in general by encouraging women to buy themselves a treat or just take some time for themselves. On Mother’s Day in particular, husbands are more likely to stay at home with the kids and women deserve a treat on that weekend.”

To take advantage of the deals offered by the businesswomen of upper Girard, stop by any of the participating stores on May 11 from noon to 5 p.m.